If you’ve ever walked into a coffee shop and asked the barista for a “regular coffee,” this is the guide for you. Whether you’re curious about what a cortado is or trying to understand the difference between popular drinks, I’m going to break down the various coffee options you may find on the menu board so you can order without fear!
By Jayne Turner – Staff Writer
Cortado
A cortado is equal parts espresso and steamed milk. It is served in a small glass. It is smooth, rich, and strong. Order this as a pick-me-up or if you’re in a rush, but don’t want to throw back a straight shot of espresso.
Flat White vs Latte
A flat white is similar to a latte, but it is more coffee-forward. Where a latte is more milk, a flat white has a little less milk, typically achieved by an extra shot in the same size cup. Lattes have more froth on top, but a flat white just has a layer of microfoam.
Flat whites get ristretto shots, which are pulled with less water and the same amount of coffee grounds, resulting in a sweeter taste and a “shorter” shot.
Unlike most coffee drinks, the flat white originates from Australia and New Zealand.
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Americano
An americano is made of espresso shots and water, giving it a similar profile to drip coffee. The difference lies in the flavor and the acidity. When tasted without cream and sugar, an Americano is more robust and has a strong coffee taste. Drip coffee is lighter and can be made with a variety of beans, so the flavor will depend on the roast.
The invention of the Americano is pretty funny, and while it was technically invented in Italy, it is named after the American soldiers who drank it.
Traditional Macchiato
This isn’t your Starbucks Caramel Macchiato. A traditional macchiato is a shot of espresso “stained” or “spotted” by a small amount of steamed milk foam. This beverage contains the lowest milk to espresso ratio.
It is served in a small cup and is quite different from Starbucks’ Caramel Macchiato, which is basically a vanilla latte with caramel on top.
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Cappuccino vs Latte
Compared to a latte, a cappuccino contains more foam. A cappuccino is one part espresso, one part milk, and one part foam. It is more coffee-forward and served in a smaller size than a latte.
I love cappuccinos because I love milk foam! If you typically order “no foam” on your latte, a cappuccino is not for you. And please, don’t try to order a cappuccino with no foam.
Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee
Bonus lesson! Many people think that cold brew and iced coffee are the same thing, but that could not be further from the truth.
Iced coffee is made by brewing strong hot coffee over ice or letting it chill in the refrigerator. It tends to have a lighter flavor with more acid. It is also lower in caffeine content.
Cold brew is steeped, like tea, for 12-24 hours or overnight. It is less acidic and smoother. Depending on the strength of the brew, you might need to dilute it with water, creating what is technically known as cold brew concentrate, before adding any sweeteners or milk. While the amount of caffeine in homemade cold brew can vary, a standard cold brew from a coffee shop generally contains more caffeine than their iced coffee.
And if the cafe has nitro cold brew, that just means that the cold brew has been infused with nitrogen. It gives the coffee a creamy-without-cream, smooth mouthfeel. It is my personal favorite of the three.
Ordering coffee can be overwhelming. Menus are confusing, and drinks are different everywhere. If you’re ever in doubt, just ask the barista how their beverages come! Go forth and stay caffeinated.
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Author: Jayne Turner is a freelance writer from Orange, California. She has a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience with an emphasis on language and cognition. She has ten years of musical theatre experience and a lifelong love of reading. Utterly excited by the brain, she brings a fresh Gen Z perspective to the topics that intrigue us most.
